SP5 - Thank You!

I was pleasantly surprised by a box in with my mail today - I opened it up to a "5" (much like the sp5 button) postcard on top, then a lovely note describing the "Kawaii" goodies inside -
Froggie candy dispenser!

Puffed wheat treats, Seed munchies and assorted candies! I could barely contain my excitement to try them all until my husband came home! We tried them all, as I squealed and oohed and aaahed over the packaging! The poifull were my favorites - they're like jellybeans!

A beautiful notepad and Hello Kitty microwave cake mix! In the shape of hello kitty herself!! How cool! Lucky for me there are pictures on the back of the box - the only thing I'm not sure about is the time - 1hour or 1 minute? Hrm.

And yarn (my camera phone battery died as I was taking pictures~oops) - it's gorgeous - blues / greens / purpley goodness.... I'm thinking maybe something felted? Maybe an ipod holder? I haven't yet decided...

Thank you pal so very much!!

Time Warp

Wow. So, it looks like we'll get to bring the puppy home next Friday!!!!!! Very excited, very nervous, very curious as to what this will be like!

Ever read someone's blog and learn from them? I did that tonight with Caitlynknits - she posted about her clapotis / weaving ends in early (don't do it!) So I learned from her, great - that's what's helpful about blogging. But then, I returned to working on my clapotis. Finished a row, purled the next, went to drop the stitch, kept working then realized I should have placed a marker! oops. So it's tink, tink and lrup, lrup. Groan. Oh well, at least I caught it early.

Madagascar was such a cute movie! There weren't nearly enough penguins in it!

Puppy excitement

Two new photos of Jackson - he's about 5 or 6 weeks old, and we'll be bringing him home around July 22! eee!


I treated myself today to a manicure / pedicure - very nice! But now, I'm hesitating on picking up the knitting (especially even though the inca alpaca sheds slightly)... there's always later on tonight. After Madagascar - can't wait to see it!

What day is it?

Now that I'm on vacation, and Dan's been home this week, I am confused as to what day it is. It kinda feels like a Saturday, but it's Wednesday - I know this because the shows on tv are better :^)
I've been netflixing Sopranos - man I love that show! And then tonight, Christopher is on Law & Order while Jesse L. Martin is filming rent (I forgot he was the original Collins)


I've made some pretty good knitting progress - my Rebecca eyelet wrap is blocking. I cast on and started a Clapotis with some Lovely IncaAlpaca - I find it sheds slightly, but not to any extent that I think I'll mind when it's finished. I'm enjoying working on this pattern - if it comes out nice enough (and quick enough) I may make a few more as Christmas gifts.
I've joined a new swap:
I've always enjoyed mix tapes / cds. I love poking around ArtoftheMix.org


And there was a mix-up with sp5 (things happen, no big deal), but someone else has stepped in and made contact and even sent the cutest e-card! Thanks so much!!

Links!

It's a lazy weekend, so why not "window shop" along the 'net? Through thimble I found links to many great sites that I didn't know about before! Check them out! And then, go see redcurrent for even more links!

the happily handmade giveaway - visit some great sites, sign up for their mailing lists and you'll be entered to win goodies!

thewalrusandthecarpenter.com has the cutest little owl notecards!

glamscience.com has knitting notecards and enclosure cards! So if you give away your knitted item you can include a note about care / fiber content, etc. Nifty.

I want my puppy to have a leash / collar from Lindsaydesigns.net

I just started listening to knitcast.com - very fun, and did you know that there is also Craftypod? Excellent.

My other latest finds of inspiration on the web include:
Creature_comforts, wool felt & penny rugs, Juju loves polka dots, and MollyChicken.

Still looking to trade Loop-d-Loop...

Trade for Loop-d-Loop?

I recently picked up Teva Durham's Loop-D-Loop book and unfortunately, while it's a stunning book, it's just not for me. So I'm offering it up out there for a trade - I'm willing to trade for yarn, Japanese craft books, Rebecca magazines, etc... I'm open to ideas!

I've been meaning to blog for a while - I've been spending my first week of summer vacation out and about going to shops that I rarely get the chance to vist. My two local JoAnn Fabric / Craft stores have lots of Cotton Ease on clearance ($3 / skein) - if you're in need let me know, I'll go check it out for you - but I picked up some wool-ease chunky in the Nantucket shade (hopefully for a sweater...or something). At the Yarns Down Under sale I picked up Rowanspun DK that I want to use to make Rogue - this is my first Rowan purchase - I'm very excited!

I've been working on my sewing skills as part of the backtack project - I'm still working on my package to send out. I think I'll end up doing one or two more things then sending on the materials that I didn't use along with the finished products to the recipient... I have to email her to let her know it will be shipped out next week... I'm behind!

A big THANK YOU to Leah, of knittin pretty for a great package - I forgot that I had sent her my address! She sent yummy chocolates, green tea, notecards and stitch markers in my favorite color- blue!! Here are some pictures:

Shrug help

Calling my fellow bloggers - I have a wedding to attend in two weeks. I think I have found the dress - black / white / skinny straps dealio, very cute. I was thinking that I should make a shrug to cover my shoulders if the AC is on too much, or to cover my shoulders in church... I really want to use white Filatura Di Crosa Elena - I have six skeins. Usually I'm ok with guage. I thought that I could do the Ribbed Shrug from Interweave, but now I don't know - I'll work on a guage swatch, but in the meantime - are there other suggestions? I ordered the one skein wonder (thinking to make that in black) I've also been poking through the patterns on the shrug KAL, and I like shimmer from knitty.

Summer Time!

I've been quiet this week on my blog, letting Jackson entertain those of you who stopped by :) And that's okay, because it's been a week! My 27th birthday was on Monday - it was low-key and enjoyable. Dinner at my favorite restaurant, Mary Englebreit books for the home, mini ipod (previously received), "B" floor mats for my car, and this:
- all my costume crew experience is coming back to me :) It's helpful for working on the back-tack projects too.

Tuesday was the last day of school for the students, Wednesday the last day for staff. Woo-hoo! Thursday I ran around doing errands (finally updating the bank stuff following the wedding) Friday was more of the same. I'm catching up on old soprano's episodes while plugging away on the Rebecca Wrap. Now it's the weekend and boy is it going to be hot! But tonight, we're going to a local Lobster Fest! Yummy.

The mailperson is hopefully delivering my package to my SP5 today, and they brought me Scarf Style, Loop-d-Loop, Knitted Toys and 7 Day Afghans

In giving my garden a second try, a Thank you goes out to Tori for sending me several seed packets! I'll keep you posted on the progress!

Too Cute

eeee. just looking at this picture makes me giddy :^) not bad for pre-birthday cheer! Introducing... Jackson


Action Shot

Potential

School's almost out - yippee! The 8th graders graduated last night - I've known these kids two years now and I'm glad to see them off. Mon / Tues are half days for the rest of the kiddos, and we have to take down the classrooms and staff has to go in on Wed, but that's all! I've been teaching for two years - wow.

Yesterday before graduation I went out to the yarn store to pick up some yarn for my SP5. I drooled over most everything else in there and wanted it all but promptly forgot what yarns were needed for any upcoming projects. I really should list the projects / potential yarns.... hrm. Another summer project. On top of learning to sew / finishing my back-tack project, developing lesson plans for grades 4 - 8, learning to crochet (my ebay amigurumi book arrived! That was fast!!), reading, gardening, getting puppy-fied.

I really loved the Blue Sky Alpaca's Organic Cotton - it's so soft!! That would definetly be on my wishlist. Along with the Kidsilk Haze - the store had a little cardigan style item done up in that and it was so pretty, airy, lacy. I need to keep cracking on my rebecca wrap and then maybe make a second one in that? I don't know, maybe.

Tailspin

So, we're getting the puppy - and his name will be Jackson! He was too precious!! We'll get him towards the end of July.

I've been working on my back-tack project - it's slow going, as I'm hand sewing everything... can't decide yet on a sewing machine, but I do like this one (and am thinking about treating myself as an end of school treat) that I found through NotMartha.org

I've been sucked into the san-x stuff - everything from here and I MUST learn crochet so that I can attempt this:

I bought a book on ebay because I can't resist the amigurumi!!
one english version of arigurumi

Google "convert crochet patterns to knitting patterns" turned up this:
from eHow.com

cute japanese craft site

EEE - the "In Her Shoes" trailer is on ivillage! Yay!

Nutshell Update

Very little knitting being done lately. This is due to the following reasons.

*School has been very crazy over the past week - the first grade teacher died last friday - complications from cancer, she was sick for about the last 2 months (that we knew about) - my school is a very close community. This coupled with my grandfather's passing and my Nana's current health issues, it's been very hard to deal. The funeral (homegoing celebration) was today at the Seventh-Day Adventist church - quite a culture shock for my irish roman catholic background.
*School is also starting to wrap up - finals this week (somehow amid the chaos) - somehow either I misplaced, or someone took two exams - I was grading and realized I was missing two students! gah. not good.
*My nana had a big operation this week, but things are looking ok for the moment. Chemo is going to happen, but it is not as bad as it could have been.

*I've been spending a lot of time researching puppies and dachshunds! This little guy will be ours! We're going to visit him on Sunday!


*How cool are all the fabrics going about in the back-tack swap? I love what I received from yarnstorm she's got a great blog - awesome embriodery! Thanks so much! Again, I adore the fabric, and will be sorry to send it on!

And on a random library note - how annoying is it that netlibrary.com doesn't work with the ipods?! Sure, there's audible.com (from where I got The Ivy Chronicles it's just okay, the narrator's voice is a little annoying) but this was supposed to provide me more. Groan.

Grr.

So I thought I was making progress.
So I thought I finally was doing the chart right.
So I looked at the sleeve last night and thought, "something looks funny", but maybe I can fix it....


I did BO1, k2tog for all 13 rows of the binding off / decreasing!! I think you're only supposed to do it a few times, followed by the rest of the 13 times just doing the BO1 or k2tog on one end (and the slip 1, knit 1, psso on the other)

Here's what I misinterpreted:
When work measures 6cm bind off for sleeve cap at each end 3 sts. once, then 1st. on every 2nd row 13 times as foll:
at beg of row work edge st. and k2tog; work to 3 from end of row, then slip 1 k-wise, k1, pass slipped st. over, edge st.

I did. I BO 3 st at one end and less than that at the other. GROAN. Phooey.

Dirt lover

I can not quite put my green thumb on what it is, but there is something very satisfying about gardening. My dad has gardened forever, and I always tried to help. Lucky me, some of all that practice paid off :) Currently I'm successful at getting some seeds started! I am trying to be patient as I wait for the morning glories, sunflowers, and other things to get much bigger!

I've been making slow and steady progress on the Rebecca wrap - I really want to finish it if only to say I finished it!! There are so many projects to be attempted!!

I found out today who I have for SP5 - I'm looking forward to making contact. For the person who has me, I'm re-posting and editing my previous survey answers:
(me, in a nutshell)

Becca - a lefty, self taught knitter. Currently has the following works in progress (yarn is bought / on the needles): Rebecca #29 eyelet wrap cardigan, a prayer shawl for my Nana

I like to think I'm not a yarn snob, as I do use lion brand (it's not all bad!) and red heart, but I have seen what else is out there. It's like going candy shopping at CVS and then candy shopping at Dylan's Candy Bar in NYcity.

My allergies are seasonal, to pollen, but *knock wood* they haven't been bad this year.

I have a wish list on amazon.com.

I have a massive sweet tooth. Jelly beans / mike-and-ikes are my favorites.

I adore the blue-green-purple range of colors.

I live with my husband - we've been married 6 months. I teach science to students in grades 5 - 8; I actually started out planning to be an environmental chemist, but got burnt out in grad school. I worked retail for a year (at a fabulous stationery shop, i've been there on and off for 6 years) and went through an alternative route program to get my teaching certification (done!). I love being a teacher - it's the hardest thing I have done yet, and I can't see myself doing anything else!

Quickie Favorites:
Movies: The Princess Bride, Singin'in the Rain, Rebel without a Cause, Say Anthing, the Muppet Movies
Music: Barenaked Ladies, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dave Matthews Band, Alanis Morrisette, Tori Amos, Ani Difranco, 80's music - I listen to pretty much everything except country (yes, I'm mp3 compatable)
Actors John Cusack, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zelwieger
Misc. Hello Kitty, Paper, stickers, Becky Kelly, Kate Spade, Origins, Bath-and-Body Works, Bamboo Needles, Chad Pennington, basketball, environmentally friendly stuff, Burts Bees

I am into photography, doodling, stickering, gardening and interested in trying most DIY things.

My life dream is to always be content with what I'm doing, to see the lighter side of life, to not forget to laugh (at myself) and to always try my best. In that vein, I would like to own a home, plant a garden, raise a family of happy children, continue to make my family proud of me, and have pets!

Favorite yarns? Currently I adore lamb's pride. I love Koigu. I recently learned how wonderful Noro is.

I don't really like the eyelashy / overly furry yarns.

My knitting obsession is starting projects. And the magazines.

I really enjoy socks, now that I have it down.

No needle preference, although I will say that now that I know how to do socks on 2 circulars, it's hard to go back to dpns (I keep pulling out a needle that has stitches on it)

Bamboo rules.

My oldest UFO is the purple cardigan sweater - the yarn was bought in 2002, I began working on it in '02-'03 and completely frogged it and started over. The button holes are messing with my head.

Animated characters I like: Hello Kitty, Sanrio, San-X, powerpuff girls, strawberry shortcake, muppets

Favorite animals are rainforest poison dart frogs.

Favorite holiday is thanksgiving.

I had a massive frog collection going, but I'm trying to limit it.

I would love to get back issues of Rebecca (I have the home and the one before that, with the eyelet wrap, but no others).

ipod, i blog

Will it ever charge?

That's Patrick next to my early birthday present - a very slick electric blue ipod mini! It's very cool, although it seemed to take forever to charge up! Anyway, today we're fully functioning! We've also got an iStation so I can have music in my craftroom or whereever I may be.

Knit wise, I've tossed aside the sleeve for the Rebecca wrap that I was working on (mistakes and all) and started the sleeve over. I've got to make this one work because I'm out of balls of yarn - the others have pieces waiting to be frogged before that yarn can be used!! So it goes.

Nana news: she's back in the hospital. She was feeling uncomfortable, so she called the doc and went in to have more fluid drained. Big operation next week, followed by chemo. It's looking like it is ovarian cancer. bugger.

Google Images Meme

This seemed like a cute thing to do - no one passed it on to me, I took it. Open invitation to take from here, as I've added a few things:

The place I grew up



The place I live now


My Name:


My grandmother's names:




My Favorite food(s):




My favorite drinks:




My Favorite Song (currently):


My favorite candy


My favorite animal


My job

More later...

Slowly Unpacking

I think we can finally see the light through the boxes and paper and bubble wrap and tape. We're getting settled in and things are looking really good! We're very excited about having people come and visit - his parents were here for the move, my parents will be here tomorrow, we've got friends coming in next weekend, and my brothers the week after that.

I'm so excited because I received my back-tack package! All the way from the UK! And I adore everything she sent - I'll be sad to send it along when I'm done with it! Here are some pictures:



I love all the fabrics - a great assortment of pinks / greens / purples, rickrack / ribbon / beads & buttons and thread! And two adorable postcards. And some sweets which are not in the photo because they have been eaten! Thank you so very much!

Sadly, I am behind on getting out my package of things - they WILL go out Tuesday! the fastest way possible!!

Packing Sucks

I'm surrounded by boxes and tape and I keep stepping on bubble wrap. We crammed a lot into this little apartment.

Science fair is tomorrow night. Moving Thursday. Wheee!

Knitting and Puppies

Patrick would like to introduce you to his new friend, who will soon be on her way to Maddy:

I followed the pattern in the Last Minute Knitted Gifts, used Microspun yarn for the body and Sensations Bamboo for the ears. I'm not 100% thrilled with the face, but overall it's really cute.

Other news - possibly, we've decided to get a dachshund puppy. Rather, I've decided. Dan agrees. Although those Rhodesian ridgeback mixes are adorable too. I really like the fact that dachshunds don't shed as much / low odors to worry about / and they are independent enough to be on their own... I've been surfing the web and oohing and awwwing over many photos.

Other knitting related matters, I've purchased more homespun to make my Nana a prayer shawl - it appears the cancer has returned and likely that chemo will be the treatment... We'll know more next week. This is most definetly not fair for her.

Off to Star Wars tonight.
Packing tomorrow.

Lose-Lose-Win

I'm still getting mail bounced back to me when I try to send a photo to mobile blogger - anyone else? I'm frustrated.

In other annoyances, why is it that each time I'm at Wal-Mart I'm approached for help? I don't work there!! Our WalMart is tiny. Not nearly the sprawlmart it could be. I don't know where the paper towels are ma'am - I'm trying to find some stuffing for a knit toy!

In a minor victory, I was able to send a photo from my phone to my gmail account, save it, and post it to flickr...

Quality is okay, certainly better than nothing!

Where's the camera crew?

All day yesterday I felt like I was on trading spaces. We bought paint on Friday night, "deep smoke signal" and set to it on Saturday. The master bedroom looks awesome! The paint went on so well (2 coats) - so worth it. We moved in the bed and a dresser and it really came together. All it needs now are some minor touches. The kitchen is next - some shade of green...

I've been so icky sick that I'm too tired to even knit. Bleh. And right about now I could give a rat's ass about lesson plans. So I think I may pick up the needles now that I'm not picking up a tissue every few moments.

Coming Down with Something

Ick. That's all there is to say - it's either seasonal allergies or a cold from somewhere. Go white blood cells, Go! At this point my attendance at SnB's this week (spontaneous in the shoreline or up in North Haven) are dependent on how this moves and develops.

What's the deal with sending photos from your phone to bloggers new address? I tried and think I was successful in sending the emails, but how long is the turn around time?

Wow - I've been tagged (This is the first time, thanks Sami) I'm looking forward to doing a lot more reading once school gets out...

Total number of books in my house: Oh good God. I'm "inbetween" houses now, but there are easily 100 in this apartment. Several library books. There are probably 150 - 200 or so more at my parent's house. And I know I have dropped about 12 or so at our new house. I love books.

The last book I bought was: bookbookbook (a.k.a. At Knit's End)

Five books I often read or that mean a lot to me:
Silent Spring
The Diary of Anne Frank
Candy and Me a Love Story
Charlotte's Web
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry


That was really hard! I immediately thought of dozens of books - they all mean something to me at some point, if they don't I do not finish them or I skip ahead. I will read often anything by Laurie Notaro or Jen Weiner. I treasure reading the Ramona Quimby books, the Judy Blume books and Laura Ingalls. I will always read Gary Larson (There's a Hair in my dirt) and Bill Watterson. I loved Bram Stoker's Dracula. The knitting books are read often. I enjoy Chuck Pahaluniuk's work. Agatha Christie. Cookbooks are fun. Gardening books are what I'm into now...

Who I'm passing this on to and why: Heide, my sp4, "For the Love of Fibers" and Kirstie - All because I'm curious :^)

Achy joints

I've been working on the knitted rabbit (no fangs) from the "Last Minuted Knitted Gifts" - I'm using Lion Brand's microspun and holding a double strand on the bamboos is starting to hurt my hands. I like how the fabric looks though. So I switch over to using the laptop on the couch, thus adding to my poor posture at the moment and certainly not giving my knuckles a break while i read up on the blogs.

In the meantime, how cute are these shirts? I especially like the owl, the two birds and the dish&spoon

I really want to put wallwords somewhere in the house - maybe the kitchen, craft room to be, or front hall... hrm.

Two-Year Old Birthday

What would you make for a soon-to-be two year old girl? I've already made her a blanket (when she was born) and fruit hat (Christening) -- I'm thinking the bunny toy from Last Minute Knitted Gifts and maybe try embroidering something cute onto a little pocketbook / totebag... I'm not a very fast knitter, and her party is the 29th but I think we'll be seeing her on the 20th... I also thought about the Fiesta Tea Set, but I wonder if that is a better gift for a three year old? I don't know.

I'm excited getting stuff together for the back-tack... I'm worried that what I send won't be enough or good enough - I feel like I'm in the company of overwhelming experience!


At the Thursday SnB I started working on the Rebecca sleeves, but was distracted by the conversations and meeting new people that I didn't read the next part of the instructions about increasing at the same time. So I figure my sleeves will just be a little longer.

Winner!

I won a gift certificate today at work for teacher appreciation day! $125 - that will get a very nice dinner! Google's got a nice little image up today too... remember your teachers and say thank you!

While SP4 may be over, I have to say that I enjoyed being on the giving end to Sequink and pal of For the Love of Fibers - it was so much fun!

I've gotten some good feedback on cameras... still mulling it over.

Little knitting has been done lately - I have to double check my guage on the x-back tank (I think I'll do that at the North Haven Panera MeetUp on thursday). I've been busy thinking about an upcoming garden - good sites:
You Grow Girl, GrowGuide-Weekend Gardener,and CT-botanical society

And the back-tack matches have been made... I'm excited (both my matches are outside of the US)!! What to send....

Wishing I had a digital camera (and sewing machine)

I just got back some photos (yay!) of finished objects, but only prints - there's a really cute one of Patrick, the penguin, casting an Alfred Hitchcock shadow. Today at Target I was distracted by the cameras - I saw a digital one for $30 - real cheap, no preview, but maybe that would keep me momentarily happy. I walked around the store many times mulling this over, but then decided that no I wanted something good. So I mosey back to their camera display - there were no prices out on anything! Free? I wish. I waited for some red-shirt to come over and help - and he gives me a schpiel that I interrupted because 1)I'm not scared in any way of technology (I started out by telling him I mainly wanted it for photos for a website, that should be his first clue) 2)I'm not scared of computers 3)I'm familiar with cameras - I have a 35mm automatic and SLR!! I don't like being talked down to, so I left. Without a camera. Not quite as interesting as ThreeOliveMartini's tire near-fiasco but still.

I'm looking for 3-4 megapixels, with a zoom, preview screen. Not too large size wise. Gotta find a consumer reports on these cameras. Looking to spend less than $250. Don't really care about easy share or printing the photos (if they're decent enough that's what ofoto and snapfish are for!)

Also, poking around the blogs last night made me wish I had a sewing machine and really knew how to sew! I have cross-stitched, I'm trying to embroider, I briefly used a sewing maching during my years as head costume wench in high school theatre - but to see what some people are doing out there is just inspiring!! Take a peek!
DIY Chinese Take-Out Purse (more paper than sewing, but still!)

My My (check out the patches too!)

Sewing Stars

My Paper Crane

And how about the "Month of Softies"?
There's always ThreadBared - those gals don't sew, but they have an, uh, appreciation for the patterns...

I'm hoping the back-tack will lead me into other adventures to feed the crafting ADHD.

Where did the weekend go?

Yesterday we closed on the house - it went very smoothly. Then we helped move a few things over and continued today - moving the smaller, fragile, essential items over to their new house. We will move out of the apartment at the end of May - sure enough it will be here soon! I'm still getting in as much knitting as I can, but have to be careful - Dan commented tonight that I'm not finishing projects!!

See, I have to do some thinking for the rebecca wrap - to make sure I do the right / left fronts properly. I think I can just follow the directions as written... but it needs thinking. And the broadripple has to be completely undone and will wait for some other pattern - the cuff opening just doesn't fit my foot. And the heart sachet also requires thinking.

So what's a gal to do while watching a "non-thinking" movie (Monty Python Holy Grail)? Cast-on and start knitty's x-back ribbon tank. I really enjoy working with the deco-ribbon - it's lightweight and works up well.

In bummer news I think I'm 3 balls short of Filatura Di Crosa "Elena" that I'll need for the web / online shrug from Interweave Knits. I bought 3 balls, but didn't read the yardage requirements... eep.

Aw, crap!

last night I worked on the broadripple a bit more and then decided to try it on to see how much further I have to go -- and it didn't fit!!! *insert a Lucy "Wah"*


So I put it aside, and picked up the yarn and needes to attempt the heart sachet from Interweave knits... charts and I don't mix too well. Is anyone else trying this? I probably could use some back up.

My friend Betsy is knitting a scarf for Sam Watterston - nifty huh?

Short Weeks are still long

It's the end of wednesday - almost thursday! And that marks the end of this week for me - I took off Friday. I'm glad for it as our school is looking to be a little wacky and very "go-with-the-flow". So, one more day to sort through.

I'm still plugging away at the Rebecca eyelet cardi, and my first broadripple sock (I'm fascinated with how those stitches make the pattern!) I'm antsy to cast on for the Heart Sachet - I was hoping that if it's cute enough that I'll make one for my mom for Mother's Day.

I've joined the "back-tack" swap (gotta get the button up on the side) - how cool is this knitting fabric?!

Trips!

I've been busy the past two days. Yesterday another teacher from work and I took the train into New York. We really just wandered around, but did make it to Dylan's Candy Bar, the Hello Kitty store, Ricky's Urban Groove (I got some GREAT magnets and a pin, "Caffeine Queen" and Frozen Hot Chocolate Mix that we weren't able to have at this restaurant (also featured in one of my favorite movies) because the wait was too long!)

I even managed to drag my friend down to Knit NY - it was cute inside - smaller than I thought it would be. They had a sampling of many different things, and while I didn't get anything there yarn related it was nice to check it out. I did try the Naked Berry Blast juice which was yummy.

Today we went into RI to visit my grandmother and make a trip to the zoo. I have been so many times, but this was the best. My uncle works in the human services department and was able to take us "back stage" - we saw Mikey the baby zebra (who wasn't even out because he's recovering from a medical thing), we got to FEED Golden Lion Tamarins and white faced saki monkeys!! So neat! One jumped on my shoulder - they were startled easily, but were gentle and would respond to "Hand" - they put their hand briefly on yours and then you gave them their food - nuts, grapes or live mealworms!! The unexpected kicker of the day was feeding the ELEPHANTS!!!! Their trunks are like a vacuum cleaner inside a mitten! That was so unbelievable to be able to have that opportunity!

So cool, but soo tired now. Nap time made me feel a little less tired but more cranky. Now it's time to play catch-up on the blogs!

New Yarn :^) and book release

Today I met up with Dan for lunch - it was soooo yummy! Such a nice day out too! After lunch I went to my favorite knitting store - Yarns Down Under - I may be a younger knitter, but I am always treated with respect and interest in my current projects. Other yarn stores in CT have people working in them that would like nothing to do with customers or are trying to be too helpful and it comes across pushy or there's just so much stuff in the store I don't know where to start. Y.D.U. is a wonderful little shop - they even had the Filatura Di Crosa "Elena"!! I love it I love it I love it!!

I ended up with yarn to make the knitty ribbon x-back tank, one of the shrugs from the interweave knitters online patterns and the heart sachet.

Turnovers

It looks so nice out, I think I'll walk over to the library (the good one, not the one of frequent rants) and post office in a few moments. Also on tap for today is that I want to complete the ears for the Bobbi Bear (which really is huge. the size of my thigh.), keep working on Broadripple (this is knitting up so nice, although I keep getting "caught" at the join end of the circular needles. I'm using Addi Turbos, but I'm trying to keep those end stitches tight.... oh well. Also keep working on the Rebecca wrap. Swap out the winter clothes for the summer / spring. Find my reef flip-flops. FIgure out what to have for dinner.

While getting RAOKs ready this morning I had on "A Perfect Murder" (it was still too early for spunge or daytime talk tv) - Aragorn is in this movie!!! Never realized that before. He's so cute.

Lazy Day

It's so nice to have a day where I don't have to get lesson plans done before I do anything else. This morning I got up, did yoga (tried to anyway), made a CD, ran the dishwasher and then went back to work on the bobbi bear. I'm working on the 2nd arm, and probably will take care of the ears tomorrow. This bear is WAY bigger than I would like - I wonder how well it would work with different yarn /needles to make one that is smaller, because the shape is adorable.

I'm really getting hooked on the "Showdogs Moms & Dads" show - good things to keep in mind for when we get a dog - I don't want to be on this show~!!

Waiting in Lines

Today I went shopping to pamper myself. Spring Break woo-hoo! I think I got some pretty good deals. There's still no good spunge on tv, although the Discovery health channel has some interesting shows.

I went to the post office to post a few RAOKs and saw that there are Muppet / Jim Henson Stamps - did I know this already? Perhaps.

Bloglines let me sign in, then booted me out - acocrding to their news the problem has been fixed...

AND Target has some great dollar deals - they actually had a lot of beading stuff in the section I went to (wine charm kits, beads (all shapes / sizes / colors) - I got 2 sets of charms that I want to use as stitch markers for my smaller projects. Also, in the same section I got a cd case that I'll be using to store my circulars (some of them anyway) AND they had some very cool bug / frog stuff (magnets, stickers, puzzles) - miraculously, I held back :^P

Lifetime

Dan was up and out early this morning - I didn't sleep in too much, because it IS the first day of spring break (woohoo!) I was trying to log in to bloglines but it keeps telling me my password is no good. When I ask for it to be emailed I get a message that the email is invalid, and the password has been sent. Confusing? yeah.

There's nothing on tv on Saturday mornings. I was hoping for spunge (trash tv, think any reality show on MTV) and found out that we get the Lifetime Movie Network - right now Sally Field is a "Woman of Independent Means" or something like that - she has cried and screamed and been a "lady of society". Meh.

Last night we were watching "Oceans Twelve" (it was slow and choppy and we turned it off half way through) I needed some stupid knitting - low-thinking stuff - I have to pay too much attention to the Rebecca wrap (I screwed up another row, I'm refusing to frog) so I cast on for a pair of Broadripple socks. Holy chickens, I'm stupid or something - I kept messing up that pattern too, so I stopped all together. double meh.

746.4

That's the call # at the library for the knitting books. I went to the library in the town where I teach and browsed their new books, then went up to the "arts" area and found more knitting books. I like the Miller Library in Hamden - but don't rush over there because I took out the books :) For the next 2 weeks or so I am pouring over
*Family Circle Easy Afghans
*Gift Knits
*Debbi Bliss Celtic Knits
*Knitter's Stash
*Vogue Knitting Socks Two
*Left-Handed Crochet
*Hot Knits
*Felted Knits
*Knitting on the Edge

And wether or not if that man-eating-rescued rabbit thing is a joke PETA should still go stomp on his tuckas. They do outlandish stuff like that.

I bought pink tulips today - I love tulips and the shade of pink was sooo springy.

I'm on Spring Break!! To celebrate I'm having frozen strawberry daquiaris with dinner.

Unbelievable

So, while this guy will devour his pet if he doesn't raise enough money, he doesn't say why - not that there could even be a good reason. Why isn't PETA all over this guy? Have I missed something here?

(It's also almost unbelievable that I have update more than once today!)

Wow

We're fast approaching spring vacation - the past few days for me have been okay - I've been showing A Bug's Life and human body / skeleton videos. I'm thinking about setting up a science weblog for next school-year - maybe one for class, one for me as a teacher - have to do it for the CT BEST program anyway - not the blogging, but a technology component and journal. Online is easier for each day. This story just made me stop My days sometimes are tough, but I can't imagine what this must be like... More power to her, and her students.

My Rebecca wrap-cardi is slowly, slowly coming along. The back is ok. My eyelets are not even and I'm ok with that. It's for me, not a gift. My mistakes will be a tribute to the higher powers.

Vents

I'm a library supporter. I have always loved going to the library. However, I really cannot stand the local library in the town I'm moving back to next month. I went there today to get a video for school. Now, I've used that library before, but now I have a new last name / new library card (with my current hometown library, one town over) - so I have to wait while they "re-input" into their system. I went to the library in the town where i teach and had to wait again. So I made a comment about how there should be a "CT State" library card, not this town thing. And the librarian piped up that it is a CT library card (See, how it says it right on the card?) Yes, ma'am I see that - however each time you use it for the first time in a new spot I have to wait while I get "input" into the system. I might as well just get a new town library card. Frustrating, because this really isn't as convenient as it should be. Also, the library has really shitty parking. There is a vote up to expand the library - while I think this is a good thing - expand / update / serve more people, they make no accommodations for parking upgrades, which sucks.

I met up with Betsy (who finally has a LiveJournal - yay!) a stitch and sip at our local tavern. It was fun, but when she moves out to PA this summer, I think I may have to switch my knitting night - there's only 2 or 3 of us (me included) that come out with any regularity.

I think I'm managed the eyelet pattern on the wrap but now I've come to a confusing part involving the increases - I don't see how they add 10 stitches because according the written directions, I see 5 are added. Groan.

And lastly, Gilmore Girls is still in reruns. :^( Not fair. This season hasn't been all that great, but I miss my show!

Wonderings

I'm on my computer alot. Mostly it's for lesson planning / teaching stuff. Frequently it's for email. Anything else it's knitting /crafting. So it's rather amusing when my hubby asks me what I'm doing on the computer - Looking at knitting. Reading about knitting. Finding new patterns I want to do.

Is there a way to see the blogs of those who have "subscribed" to me on bloglines? I'm amazed that 100+ people have "subscribed" and I would love to leave a comment in their blog to say "Hey" - but I don't know how to figure that out.

Today I made banana bread and pizza bread. So domestic.

I've been working on the Eyelet wrap from rebecca #29 - twice, I've frogged. I'm left-handed and this is my first chart pattern experience - I keep screwing up. Bah. But I'm still determined. Any tips for lefties working from charts? I want to avoid re-writing the entire pattern, but fear it may bome to that!

Too random for a title

It's been forever since I've posted - since just before Easter I believe. My mom and Nana loved the Cadbury chicks I made - my mom even brought hers into work to show it off to the knitters she works with - they loved it of course and wanted the pattern :) Spreading the joy!

Apparently the Easter bunny brought me a really icky virus / cold / thing. I was pretty much laid out all last week - no voice, stuffy nose and no energy for knitting! But I'm back on track - my bobbi bear has no arms, but I can start stuffing him tonight. I need to add the handle to the Crystal Palace Deco-ribbon bag. I think I'm going to use the yarn from my secret pal to make the Eyelet Wrap Cardigan in Rebecca #29, and I want to start that tonight.

I listened to the book,Second Assistant, on CD last week in the car - cute, fluffy. I read Laurie Notoro's book I Love Everybody (and other atrocious lies) - hysterical!! And I see by amazon, that there's even another book due out soon We Thought You'd Be Prettier - aside from Jen Weiner Laurie Notaro is my favorite! And she'll be on tour! Wow. No CT dates listed and R.J's is pretty good about getting good authors through, so maybe...

Flickr is fun

There goes the bandwagon - I'm on it!

I found this link through another bloggers blog - so peaceful and CUTE!!
orisinal (online games)

And I had been planning to make this Cadbury Chick for easter, but I don't crochet so I was thinking that I would use embroidery floss for the eyes / beak - but maybe this egg cozy is the way to go instead. Google eyes / paper beak? May require a craft store trip tomorrow.

FO! Yay!

No pictures, but I am happy to report that tonight, just in time to be put away because spring is on the verge of being sprung, Coronet came off the needles. I didn't knit it the 9.5 inches from the bottom of the band that my large head dictated in the instructions, I just stuck the thing on my head and decided. Go me! I'm wearing it now and it's wonderfully warm!

I've been working on a few knitted chicks / "peeps" for easter to give to my mom and Nana.

I recently received the Rebecca "Home" issue - bought from supercrafty on ebay - great great great magazine! I'm going to have to get it more often - every page in there I turned and squealed.

I'm thinking that maybe kiri would look nice in the green beauty that my secret pal sent me last week...

Catch-Up

This week has been ultra-crazy with report cards being due. I finally was able to get back to knitting on Thursday night. I finished my Koigu socks during Survivor and Apprentice - One sock has a shorter cuff than the other, but underneath jeans who cares?

I started working on Coronet from knitty.com because I don't have a decent winter hat and apparently, I need it - winter just won't let go of New England.

I've been hunting about ebay - I've won a Jiminy Cricket patch and Jiminy Cricket charm for a necklace. I'm bidding on a cute sanrio / san-x pencil case that I think I'll use for double points. I have two really cute metal pencil cases - one with Hello Kitty and one with Monchiki, but I think I'd rather have a soft sided case... I'm also thinking about getting this - it's a "beccabag" - how cute would that be?

Dan suggessted to me that once we're in the new house that we can lift the no yarn buying self-imposed resolution. We'll have the space for stash enhancement, and he just doesn't get knitting socks. He thinks I should go bigger. Bigger things need more yarn - I've got 2/3 skeins on average of whatever color and sweaters and blankets need 6-8 or so!

And congrats and welcome to Heide on being a part of RAOK now! She's a cool cat - send her stuff! :^)

AND, last but certainly not least, THANK YOU to my secret pal - I came home yesterday to a package - 4 skeins of a a mohair-type yarn in an absolutely GORGEOUS shade of green! I would love to use it to make something in time for St. Patrick's Day, but I don't know - maybe the Airy scarf from the Last Minute Gifts book she sent! Thank you again so much!!

Big News

I think my initial shock has started to wear off and I can begin to be more excited about this news: Dan and I are going to have our own house! eep! His parents are moving out and we're moving in. Close sometime in May, move in June? This happened really fast, but it's cool.

Knitting has been sidelined in order to do grades. Stinkers, as I am SO close to finishing my Koigu sock.

Surfing About

After a kinda icky day I came home to find that my wonderful husband had bought me a camera flash!! eeee! He gave me a SLR two Christmas-times ago and I adore playing with it, but couldn't use it inside because of the lack of lighting! Once I get the right number of batteries, I'll be playing indoors more, taking more knitting photos and burning through film!!!

Surfing around tonight - How cute are these: IttyBittyNecklaces (the hearts), and these MommyTags (not for me, not yet anyway) and this DIY yoga eye pillow!

And I had not yet checked out spunmag.com - another online knitting "thing" - I'm SO making this catepillar.

This is annoying

I've been running all the virus scan / malware finders / popup blockers that I can find because something is wonky with the internet on my computer. Also, somehow my sidebar only shows up at the bottom of the page under all the posts (that's not right. it was fine maybe 2 days ago). And when I open my blog page and then try to link out of it or open a link in another page IE freezes and I have to use the task manager to shut it down. Anyone else notice this?

knitting-wise I finished the Hallowig. There are 3 ends to weave in. It looks really goofy because I did the decreases as written and I should have flipped them - for crazy hair day at school it will be fine I think.

I've been looking into digital cameras so that I can post pictures of the knitting. Any reccomendations? I'm willing to spend $200-$300 I think.

Today it's a snow day!
Things to do: work on Koigu sock #2, weave in ends of hallowig, write wedding thank yous, go to the post office, pick up wedding reprints, order others, scout out Job Lot of cell-making stuff for school, find dice for school game, internet search for upcoming school topics (DNA, genetics, ecology, biomes, cells, etc), work on Science Fair packet, grading, report card prep, set up pH cards for lab, go to grocery store, vacuum, clean bathroom, figure out dinner.

Where Does The Time Go?

I can't believe that it is Friday already!! Geez. I need a vacation from my vaction I think :) I knew it was going to go by pretty fast, so even though it will screw up our exam schedule next week, I'm hoping for a snow day on Monday. I'm awful, aren't I?

I just tore the seam on my new pajamas!! I must have been sitting funny on the leg - it's not a big tear, and easily along the seam so I can fix it, but bugger!!!

Last night I worked on the purple beast because the Hallowig was giving me trouble. Don't get me wrong - it's a great pattern, but I think because I'm left-handed the decreases are not in their right spot. Of course, I didn't think of this right away, only once I was several times in and I really don't want to frog it. Groan.

I'm meaning to work on my Hello Kitty bag this weekend, and maybe start one of the 6 sox, but I need to locate some needles.

My list of to-do's today also includes:

Picking up wedding photos for the paper announcement
Checking on a Jiminy Cricket bracelet link / Getting my grandmother a birthday card
Sending out stuff for my new social security card
Taxes
Thank you notes from the wedding
Getting together a knitting binder for all the sutff I print out from the 'net
grading
getting report cards ready
lesson plans
finalizing the final exams
cooking dinner

I guess I'd better get on it, the roads are mostly cleared and the stores should be opening soon!

Getting Good!

Yay! I've got the banner up! Huzzah! AND I got my comments back!!

Visiting with Nana was really good, went to PC and a great yarn store in Providence / near Brown University. Now I have the black that I need to continue working on my Hello Kitty bag. I worked on my Hallowig and am at the decreases - I might be done with it today!! But we have to do taxes and I should be grading / doing report cards.

I also came home last night to a fun package from my secret pal - a big thing of Mrs.Fields hot chocolate mix (white macadamia!!), frog stickers (so cute!), a "Teachers" Family brand soap (smells so pretty!) and a really cute book called "Furry Logic" - Thank you so much pal!!!

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

Ch-Ch-Changes

Suz was so sweet to make me a banner - I love it so much! So I've been futzing with my layout so that the banner will look super! Plus it's always good to shake things up. When I did that though, somehow I have lost my comments (which I think were through haloscan), the type size on the sidebar of my blogroll links is too big, I've also misplaced my stickerplanet link and blogpatrol and truefresco things. Not anything urgent, but certainly annoying. If anyone cares to drop a comment I can be reached at
beccau AT care2 DOT com
for the time being.

Over the weekend we had our first dinner party for our parents - we had mine over saturday for dinner. Everything went pretty smooth. I think my dad was beaming, it was funny - like he was sitting back and enjoying the current generation put on the show (actually it was a lot like grampa, he would do the same thing when the family was all together) And I pleased my mom by finally setting the table right (I used the picture in the cookbook)

Sunday we went into New York to see the Gates. They were odd. Interesting. Amusing. It was really neat to see and walk among them, I'm glad we went - we also used it as an excuse to meet up with several friends from high school.

We came back to wet snow (haven't had any of that yet this year) and slept in way late yesterday. Did nothing for most of the day. At night I went out to the stitch-n-bitch - i liked the paperback cafe in saybrook - cute place, quiet, decent food. I forgot the second page of the Hallowig pattern, and the penguin to show and the slippers. I guess it wasn't my night. I did finish a scarf, so that's a plus.

Today I'm off to stay with my Nana - I'm not sure what we'll do (although it's so cold!!) but I'm looking forward to seeing her and giving her some company. I'm also planning to swing by PC to get a new t-shirt and a yarn store also in providence. I'm hunting for black yarn and small circular needles to make the wrist warmers in the Last Minute book.

Vacation Time!

Today starts February vacation! Although I've already booked myself up for most of it, it's a nice thought that I don't have to go to work for a week, and I'm busy with things I want to do (except for report cards).

Today I came home to a package from my secret pal! Belgian chocolates, Strawberry Shortcake stickers, a great journal and an adorable bear pin! Be jealous of me, because my secret pal truly rocks!! Thank you so much!

All this generosity further inspires me to be a great secret pal to my person! I picked up a few things for her today, I hope she likes them!!

And, Mindy (from gidget_casts_on) sent me a postcard and lucky scarab stitch marker! This is the first stitch marker I've ever received - it's so nice!! My rubber rings just won't cut it anymore :)

I really need to get a digital camera. My mini-pseudo-pda one is really not cutting it and I want to show off these great packages I've received! Also, I need to photograph and then scan the photo of Patrick, the penguin I made for Dan for Valentine's Day - he's finished this week and bringing us much joy :)

An Entire Post

Yesterday I was typing up a post, but then Dan came home and it was time to head out to dinner! Lucky us :) I hope everyone had a nice valentine's day, if you celebrate it. I was given some really cute (and unexpected) valentines from several of my students. Dan got me a great T and a Hello Kitty balloon from the store :) And dinner, of course.

And over the weekend I got my first gift from my SP4!! She had emailed me and left a comment about what was coming and on Saturday it was here!! I was gifted with Last Minute Knitted Gifts (Which, for all purposes that I heard was almost out of print and hard to find) and Encyclopedia of Knitting which I had my eye on for a while. I've already started working on a variation of the airy scarf that's in LMKG - I really just making alonger version because I don't know what else to do with the yarn if I have any left over, and I don't think I'm one to wear a short scarf like that. Anyway, thank you thank you thank you secret pal! I love them both!!

Happy Valentines Day

For Phyllis (My teacher training)

Hi Phyllis!
I just read the comments you left in my blog - I'm unable to email you because the email link tries to make me go through AOL which I don't use anymore. So I hope that you read this at it and it answers your questions!
I completed the weekend ARC program in May '04. The program as a whole I enjoyed and I think it prepared me well to be a teacher. I was lucky enough to find a job at a charter school with my Masters degree and the plan that I would complete the program. Teaching while taking the program gave me an interesting perspective.

Friday nights were spent in "Core" - these were mostly educational theory, touchy-feely sort of lectures - I didn't agree with most of what the people said, BUT they did clear up the state standards for teachers, and most of the alphabet soup that is involved in teaching (IEP, PPT, etc) The saturday classes were mostly your subject area (mine was general science / biology, even though my background is chemistry, I did this because I teach gen. sci) This class was SO AWESOME. I had two excellent teachers. It was a lot of hands-on, practical, useful stuff (I could try out the things I learned there immediately). We also had to practice teaching quite a bit. I met a nice group of people and have two binders FULL of great ideas.

The program was definetly intense. Tiring too, after working full time and prepping for school - to have homework and things. I had 2 papers to write for core (3 - 5 pages, really not bad, and if you didn't pass you were allowed to rewrite). I felt taken care of and made aware of due dates, tests, fees, etc. Good luck!

Fess Up

It's really hard to work on a gift knit for your significant other when you reside in a small apartment. I was working on the secret project at the Stitch-and-Bitch this week and even covertly working on it while we watched "Apprentice" and "Lost" and "Gilmore Girls" but I'm getting to the point of seaming! I was considering hiding out in the bathroom or the bedroom for about an hour, but that would have raised eyebrows. So I told him - I presented him with the penguin pieces and showed him the picture. Not how I intended, but hey, he was still surprised!

I really want to be working on the HelloKitty knit-a-long but I'm at the part where I need to focus on the chart stuff so it doesn't come out backwards or goofy.

I still want to finish the purple beast, also known as the sweater that is yet to be. I've got one front panel (it's supposed to be the buttonhole side, on the left, because I goofed in my leftyness) and I'm thinking I'll just leave the buttons off and do loops or something later... Groan.

I'm intested in finding yarn stores in Rhode Island - I found one in Providence, over near Brown - I'm thinking I'll swing by when I go to visit Nana during my Februray vacation.

Little Treasures

This weekend has had only some mild knitting moments. Last night I worked on my Lion Brand socks - I still think the leg portion of the sock is too huge. And I continued working on the ----- (can't say just in case DH decides to read this, it's a surprise). So far so good. I'm trying to decide what to do with the yarn that Sarah sent - it's gorgeous... I'm thinking maybe the flower bag from helloyarn.com

Today we wandered around the mall. I am loving


And I also wanted to purchase one of this, this, this, this, and this among everything else :) There's not enough time or skin to try it all :)

Random-ness

I was RAOK-ed today by knitterbelle - she sent me an oh-so-cute Hello kitty notepad. I have one now and I was just wondering the other day that I am going to have to ration the paper so it lasts :) Thank you so much for cheering me!

School was a zoo. The kids HATE the sub I had (which means he will be asked again, haha) and apparently one parent was shocked that her kid is failing. I spoke to the parent previously and told her that the biggest grade prior to the progress reports was a failing grade. She has since done makeup work, so it's not that bad now, but apparently it's MY fault and never the students fault. Oh well.

The funeral was ok. Actually it was a nice service, it was good to see my cousins again. Grampa would have loved the party afterwards.

I have one of his spare handkercheifs (not used, except by me yesterday) and I want to embroider or cross stitch or iron on Jiminy Cricket. Any leads?? Any ideas?? J.C. was a long running "part" of grampa and I really want him on the hanky to keep with me. But I'm getting stuck here...

Little knitting to report - I want to block the heart scarf, I'm working on a wrist warmer, but tonight I think I need to work on my grading.

This is for my SP4

(Thanks to those of you who commented on the loss of grampa. we're all very numb.)

To divert my attention, here's my Q+A for SP4

Becca - a lefty, self taught knitter. Currently has the following works in progress (yarn is bought / on the needles): purple cardigan sweater, tri-colored hat, lion brand magic stripes sock, hello kitty bag, and secret project for my DH

I like to think I'm not a yarn snob, as I do use lion brand (it's not all bad!) and red heart, but I have seen what else is out there. It's like going candy shopping at CVS and then candy shopping at Dylan's Candy Bar in NYcity.

My allergies are seasonal, to pollen, but *knock wood* they haven't been bad this year.

I have a wish list on amazon.com.

I have a massive sweet tooth. Jelly beans / mike-and-ikes are my favorites.

I adore the blue-green-purple range of colors.

I live with my husband - we've been married 2 months. I teach science to students in grades 5 - 8; I actually started out planning to be an environmental chemist, but got burnt out in grad school. I worked retail for a year (at a fabulous stationery shop, i've been there on and off for 6 years) and went through an alternative route program to get my teaching certification (done!). I love being a teacher - it's the hardest thing I have done yet, and I can't see myself doing anything else!

Quickie Favorites:
Movies: The Princess Bride, Singin'in the Rain, Rebel without a Cause, Say Anthing, the Muppet Movies
Music: Barenaked Ladies, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dave Matthews Band, Alanis Morrisette, Tori Amos, Ani Difranco, 80's music - I listen to pretty much everything except country (yes, I'm mp3 compatable)
Actors John Cusack, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, Renee Zelwieger
Misc. Hello Kitty, Paper, stickers, Becky Kelly, Kate Spade, Origins, Bath-and-Body Works, Bamboo Needles, Chad Pennington, basketball, environmentally friendly stuff, Burts Bees

I am into photography, doodling, stickering and interested in trying most DIY things.

My life dream is to always be content with what I'm doing, to see the lighter side of life, to not forget to laugh (at myself) and to always try my best. In that vein, I would like to own a home, plant a garden, raise a family of happy children, continue to make my family proud of me, and have pets!

Favorite yarns? Currently I adore lamb's pride. I love Koigu. I recently learned how wonderful Noro is.

I don't really like the eyelashy / overyl furry yarns.

My knitting obsession is starting projects. And the magazines.

I really enjoy socks, now that I have it down.

Ponchos are ok.

No needle preference, although I will say that now that I know how to do socks on 2 circulars, it's hard to go back to dpns (I keep pulling out a needle that has stitches on it)

Bamboo or plastic.

My oldest UFO is the purple cardigan sweater - the yarn was bought in 2002, I began working on it in '02-'03 and completely frogged it and started over. The button holes are messing with my head.

Animated characters I like: Hello Kitty, Sanrio, San-X, powerpuff girls, strawberry shortcake, muppets

Favorite animals are rainforest poison dart frogs.

Favorite holiday is thanksgiving.

I had a massive frog collection going, but I'm trying to limit it.

I hope this helps give you a better picture of me!

This Sucks.

What a way to end the week. DH went off on a trip to Vermont with the guys - fine, I'll get some schoolwork done / knitting done / go shopping. My parents left on Thursday for a trip to Kilimanjaro. My uncle (my father's baby brother) called me this evening. My grandfather (dad's dad) died today. Massive stroke.

This is a guy in his 70's who was apparently healthy. Goes golfing at every opportunity. Just got back from a trip to NC. Was getting ready for a trip to FL. This is so sudden and unexpected.

My parents will most likely get the message around 2:00am. Right now they are out of radio contact.

DH is driving back from VT.

I'm just sitting at the computer fixing a virus problem, half-heartedly knitting, thinking about what a wonderful guy grampa is. And how unfair this is. And how I'm so so so happy that he was at my wedding. And how I'm even more happy that we drove to my parents house on Christmas to visit with them. And how I should have called yesterday to tell him how much my students loved the rocks he gave me (the way they ooh! and aah! -ed you would think they had never seen a rock before). Never have I known a person with such a sense of humor, care for his family, pride in his sons / daughters / grandchildren, who continued to tell everyone how much he loved his wife (even after being married for 52 years) He will live on in us, as we all say his sayings: Food is scrumptious or laaaaaaaaalghtious. Q is the code word for a big bear hug. And "I'm mad now" (even though you're really not). He calls my nana "love".

He's my grampa, he's and old guy but so young at heart. He didn't have a college education but he was one of the smartest people I know. He could fix anything. He can come up with something that will work if he did not have the exact "thing" that was needed.

These next few days and parts of this year are really going to suck.

Last year was really sucky on my family (dad with cancer, nana with cancer) the highlight was the wedding - a "high" for everyone - relief. And now, this just bites.

Nerd-I-Am

I'm the first to admit what a nerd-geek I am. I took the test and it confirms my nerd status. But, don't you think it's more than slightly biased? I show my students a picture of Newton to make the lesson more interesting. As a science major (BA double major / MS ~ both environmental analytical chemistry) aren't I already at a disadvantage knowing the speed of light (numerical value with units) and elemental symbols of the periodic table? Hrm. Anyway, with pride
:

Teacher Perk

It's snowing again :) I didn't think we were going to get today off, so it's a bonus. Am I grading the papers I didn't grade last night? No. Am I writing up the 8th grade chemistry project? No. Am I cleaning? No. I'm sitting in front of the computer. Not too shabby.

I need to take a picture of Dan's fuzzy feet since they're done and perfect, but the lighting inside / today really stinks, so that's a no go. I have another finished object! I completed the Knitty Heart Scarf but it's curled so much you can't see the hearts! Gotta block.

At the CTShore-SNB on Monday I did a swatch for my bear - I'm using Lion Brand WoolEase ThickNQuick. Then I realize that I don't need size 17 straight needles, I need dpns and circs! Gah, size 17? Well, I bid on ebay for the circs, and i'll wait on the dpns for a moment or two. I haven't checked the guage yet, just knit it. I also started the back of my Hello Kitty bag. I've also got a Lion Brand Magic stripes sock started. It's so cool to see the stripes come out, but the sock looks HUGE!

I found a pair of socks - one completed, the other was 70% done and I hate them! I love the pattern (some sort of mistake rib) but hate how the yarn looks with them. I'm thinking maybe I could just finish them and donate? Or frog them and try again... My friend lent me her Patons sock pattern book and I can't wait to try a bunch in there.

With all the fun-fur flaming that is going round, I thought this was a really cute alternative to a scarf a fuzzy heart pillow- maybe next year.
Also, how cute is this, An "inside out heart" cup of tea??

Blizzard Beginnings

The "Winter Wallop" is coming apparently. According to the weatherbug on the computer it suggested that precautions to protect life and property be taken by noon today. Gee, it is new england. It does snow here in the winter. We have had blizzards before. I'm actually looking forward to it - I'm lucky, the apartment where I live is within walking distance of a supermarket, we don't have to shovel the driveway and we're on a major road. My father-in-law just brought us shovels though in case we have to dig around the cars - the parking lot gets plowed but that's all. I should be working on my lesson plans right now. I'm already hoping that the buses will be buried on Monday and that school will be cancelled - or at least delayed :)

I finished Dan's fuzzy feet today, now I have to toss them in the washer. I would have finished them last night, but I didn't realize until thursday evening that I didn't pay attention at the Stitch-n-Bitch gathering on Monday and completely missed the gusset decrease after the heel turn. GROAN. Stupid mistake, but luckily these are a quick knit.

Fuzzy Feet!

Wo-hoo! Last time I made a pair of these I was very scared of the whole felting process and did not let the washer attack them enough. Also, I think I had a rather wimpy washer. Now, I have a new washer, I wrapped up the feet in a pillowcase and threw in a pair of jeans. Two cycles (~14 minutes) and voila!!

FuzzyFeetBefore

FuzzyFeetAfter!

I'm quite pleased with myself!

Know what I can't find anywhere?

Starburst Hearts - I have such a craving for them!! Granted I don't recall seeing them around last year - I hope they haven't been discontinued!! I will keep checking, but if you spot them would you let me know?

Knitting Frog

I'm thinking that I should join up with one of the sock-alongs, seeing as how that's going to be an upcoming project. I'm currently working on a pair of fuzzy feet for me and a pair for hubby. They really seem to FLY compared to regular sock needles / yarn :)

I am a big fan of this little comic - Spot the Frog - I've sent a few emails to Mark Heath, the creator - he's really nice! And he has a blog too. I was reading the blog and I just love this picture:


More reason to love the frog!!

How excited am I - I've got some felting yarn coming in the mail resulting from my contest win!! Yay!

Me, a winner?

Wow-ie! I came home tonight after a rather long day and a delicious dinner out with my hubby to see in my email that I had won How Many Miles of Yarn does a Crafty Snargle Have? contest! I started squealing as I read the email and called out to my husband. When I told him my prize options (and it's a tough choice!) he rolled his eyes and made a comment about did I really win MORE yarn? He was not as impressed as I to learn that Miss Crafty Snargle has just over 34 miles of yarn. Why did I guess 26.5? It's my age. As the man says, now I can really "Carpe Yarn-Em" :)

What a geat way to wrap up the week!

And my good friend and I have managed to rejuvenate the shoreline stitch-and-bitch --- I'm looking forward to monday night!!

Me, In Terms of My Stuff

I've seen this around a few blogs...
Grooming Products
Shampoo: Garnier Fructis
Moisturizer: Lubriderm, Origins Ginger Burst, Origins Precipitation, Bath & Body Works Sweet Pea, Body Shop Mango (It's winter in New England - it takes work to keep the flakes away!)
Cologne: None, the lotions are all scented enough
Razor: Venus
Toothpaste: Aquafresh whitening / tartar control (I think)

Electronics
Cell phone: A sony ericson, but I really want to get a flip phone / camera phone
Computer: Dell Desktop
Television: One big Sony
Stereo: Yes, but I have no idea what brand / make it is It's Mr. NutmegKnitter's

Home
Sheets: t-shirt jersey style sheets from Bed, Bath and Beyond
Coffee-maker: Drip style, a pleasant beeper
Car: 2003 Ford Focus Unbelievable that she's still nameless! Maybe I should have a contest
Stationery: Jeez. I used to (and still occasionally) work part time at a local card / stationery gift shop. I have Crane's, William Arthur, Hello Kitty, papyrus, snoopy, frogs, and stickers - endless stickers!! I love love love paper and all it's accessories!

Beverages
Bottled water: it's ok, I don't stick to one type
Coffee: Dunkin Donuts - Large Regular (They know what to do)
Vodka: Yes please.
Beer: Yes please - Sam Adams (any style), Corona, Bass, Boddingtons

Clothes
Jeans: GAP
T-shirt: Right now? Hanes-His-Way that's too small for Mr. NutmegKnitter and have now become my pj's top
Briefcase or tote: A big LLBean style canvas tote with an American Flag on it
Sneakers: New Balance, but looking for new ones
Watch: Fossil

Favorite Places
Home, under the covers, in my pjs

Necessary Extravagance
Movies, Music, Yarn, Candy, Magazines

Beans!

As my hubby says "You get such interesting mail!" I came home today from school to find a RAOK from Illanna - Jolly Rancher jelly beans!! They are like little seeds of spring! I'm such a new england gal, and am enjoying winter, but the colors of jelly beans along with their sweetness always make me smile! Thank you so much Illanna!! I will be enjoying them tonight while I read a little bit of the devil wore prada and watching Hero while I knit. *does a little snoopy style happy dance*

Finished Objects

This weekend was good in terms of finishing objects - I finished a second pillow for our couch, and they have been immediately put to good use!




And, while we were cleaning up for our dinner party last night, I went back through a knitting bag that had a few projects in it, in several stages. I found a pair of socks that were nearly done - all I had been waiting on (or avoiding) was grafting the toe - but recently I feel I have somewhat mastered kitchener stitch thanks to SNB-nation!

So, in 2005 I have finished two pairs of socks and a pillow. I started attacking the purple people eater sweater that I have been working on since 2002. I have to do the left front, with buttonholes, because apparently I forgot that I am left-handed and what I thought was the left front is actually the right front. Gah. And I can't quite picture the spacing for the buttonholes. And the pieces look really small. I don't know how I'm going to fit into this cardigan. I am unsure about blocking - to do or not?

It feels nice to finish a project - or 3 - within a week!

Snow Day = Possibilities

Knitting things: My last finished object of 2004, my first finished object of 2005: a pair of socks! My poor quality camera (on my ViewSonic Pocket PC) is not getting a good picture of them, it's just too dark today and the battery is still charging up, so I can't really move it. Anyway, the socks were made on two circs with Plymouth Sockotta yarn - I still have what seems like a lot left over. I am really pleased with them - there are perfect for me :)

Random work related school bits: the fastest way to get 16 seventh-grader's attention is to drop the word "smart-ass" (it was an accident I swear! I was carried away by the dramatization of the proton/neutron/electron drama!). We had an early dismissal yesterday so I went shopping at Target. No school today because of the storm!

So, what would I like to accomplish today, keeping in mind that I've already started frittering the day away sipping cider and blog surfing?
1. Sign up for SP4.
2. Add the button for Knit One, Read Too.
(I borrowed the book from the library but I think I may be better off starting next month...)
3. Add the button for Knitlette's Yarn Charity 2005 - I really dig this idea. I want to make donations to tsunami relief, big brothers / big sisters, my friend's Avon walk for Breast Cancer among others.
4. Organize my stash - what do I have, really? Can I assign yarn to projects and get cracking?
5. Work out. Bought a new 10-minute pilates DVD last night - you can create your own workout!
6. Lesson Plans - for next week, so I won't have to do them on Sunday. But notice, it's at the bottom of my list. :)
7. Figure out where in the world that adhearus thing came from and how to get rid of it!